The Party Wall Process - A Quick Overview

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1: REVIEW THE WORK
​Begin by examining the design drawings and conducting supplementary research using tools like Google Maps, Earth, Street View, or any available photos.
For more complex proposals, a site inspection may be necessary.
Determine which elements of the project are notifiable and identify the neighbours affected.

2: IDENTIFY NEIGHBOURING OWNERS
Use Land Registry records to confirm who owns the surrounding properties.
Be aware that some buildings have both freeholders and leaseholders.
Make sure notices are directed only to the required legal owners.

3: SERVE NOTICE
Draft and serve the appropriate Party Wall Notices to the neighbours.
Include relevant plans and ensure you follow the notice procedures outlined in the Act.
Always send by post and retain proof of postage.

4: AWAIT RESPONSES FROM NEIGHBOURS
What happens next depends on how each neighbour responds. They may CONSENT, DISSENT, or FAIL TO RESPOND.

If they consent:

• Offer to carry out a schedule of condition.
• Where agreed, document the current state of their property prior to starting.
• Provided the notice period has elapsed or has been waived, you may begin work.

If they dissent:

• A Party Wall Award will be prepared by the appointed surveyor(s), detailing the rights and responsibilities of each party.
• This includes a visit to inspect the site and produce an external condition report.
• Internal condition records are also created where access is granted.

5: SURVEYOR APPOINTMENT
​Neighbours can either appoint the same surveyor (acting as the Agreed Surveyor) or each appoint their own.
The surveyor(s) will inspect the adjoining premises, record the condition, and issue an Award outlining the terms under which work can proceed.
Once the notice period is up—or waived—the project can move forward.
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If no response is received:

• Send a reminder (normally 14 days later) in the form of a "10-day notice".
• Calculate the deemed service date accurately, factoring in weekends and bank holidays.
• If no reply is received after those 10 days, a surveyor can be appointed on the neighbour's behalf.
• Let the neighbour know of the appointment and provide third surveyor contact details.
• Make one final request for internal access to document property condition.
• An Award can still be made and work can legally proceed, even if access is denied.
• Again, work can begin once statutory timelines have passed or been waived.

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Need Assistance with the Party Wall Process?
Party Walls Made Easy provides expert advice and competitive fees. 
Contact us for a free initial consultation and find out how we can help keep your project running smoothly.

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